A couple health questions

[Laila810]

Hey guys! I've been looking at all the websites you all gave me and I still have some unanswered questions.

About the climate- I have known that Frenchies do horribly in the heat and the cold- I live in Maryland and we have hot summers and cold winters... How restriected will my frenchie be? No playing in the snow, and no going outside unless theres water and shade in the summer? Just wanted to see the precautions that I'll have to take, especially in the winter because I haven't found very much infromation on their reaction to the cold. :(

Also, about the grooming...
As with most short-haired dogs, the odor is sometimes quite unpleasant. Is this the same with Frenchies, and how often do you recommend bathing and grooming?

Thanks all :)
Chelsea

[franp]

Hey guys! I've been looking at all the websites you all gave me and I still have some unanswered questions.

About the climate- I have known that Frenchies do horribly in the heat and the cold- I live in Maryland and we have hot summers and cold winters... How restriected will my frenchie be? No playing in the snow, and no going outside unless theres water and shade in the summer? Just wanted to see the precautions that I'll have to take, especially in the winter because I haven't found very much infromation on their reaction to the cold. :(

Also, about the grooming...
As with most short-haired dogs, the odor is sometimes quite unpleasant. Is this the same with Frenchies, and how often do you recommend bathing and grooming?

Thanks all :)
Chelsea

I don't live very far from you;NYC and my dog does fine. She plays in the snow at the dogpark and is ok with a coat during the coldest days.

During the hot days of summer, the dog walker wets her down during the walk. And we are careful so she does not burn her feet on the pavement.
So, I don't restrict except on the really hot days.The rule of thumb I use; what is comfortable for me is comfortable and safe for her.

As for odor; my dog does not smell. She had an odor before I changed her to a raw diet. But now she has no smell at all.

I don't remember the last time I bathed her, and there is no grooming.Her nails wear down from the pavement.

[Martina]

Gigi and Lola smell like earth and grass, if anything. They pretty much let me know if it's too cold or too warm. Lola gets much colder much faster than Gigi ... Gigi gets much hotter much faster than Lola. If we're walking the cold is not problematic - but the heat can be. And St Louis is super-hot in the summer. I think this summer I'm going to put out a small kids wading pool for them. I heard that recommended and have seem dogs use it.

If you're looking for outdoor dogs, these aren't them, but not necessarily because of weather. It's because they're companion dogs and mostly want to be with YOU! If you're outside too - then outside is great. But if you're inside - they're gonna wanna be inside too!!

[Carolyn]

We don't get snow here in Calif...but I can tell you to beware of the heat. About a year ago my Abby was not being watched....husband thought I was watching her and I thought he was watching her. When I checked up on her...she was in distress. I had to slowly cool her off....starting with lukewarm water and then cooling it down slowly. It was awful and taught us both a big lesson...always have a designated watcher in the summer months. I believe Roosje has a permanent post on this site about heat stroke.

As far as smell....my two have no odor and they get bathed maybe once or twice a year. Carolyn

[GigiMcKeehan]

My Gigi likes the same temp I like in slacks and a tee shirt. If I am too hot or cold so is she. Cold is not a problem since she has a dog door to come in when she wishes. Heat is a real problem in the summer and these guys get too hot easily. We put out the baby wading pool in the hotter part of summer. I always take ice water on walks, trips in the car and trips to the park. If they are panting they are hot. My Gigi smells like popcorn, go figure. We rarely bathe (her, not me).

Deb

[Kelly+Manja]

I use the same rule of thumb as Fran. If its ok for me it should be ok for manja. Here in Australia winter doesnt get too bad but we get quite hot summers. Just be observant. There will be signs. I have heard stories of dogs collapsing quite suddenly but I reckon there would have been signs which were just ignored.... such as heavier panting, dizziness, slowing down. If manja finds the weather too hot, he will usually plant himself in the shade and refuse to move anyway; so thats a pretty good sign!!! ;)